The latest research from data analytics company Gartner has revealed that the worldwide combined shipments of devices (PCs, tablets and mobile phones) are now projected to reach 2.32 billion units during 2013.

This represents a 4.5% year-on-year increase, with a shift to lower-priced devices in nearly all categories expected to become the driving force in the market.

PCs

Worldwide shipments of traditional PCs (desktop and notebook PCs) are forecast to total 303 million units in 2013, which is a year-on-year 11.2% decline. If one includes ultramobile PCs into the mix then the PC market is forecasted to contract by 8.4% in 2013.

Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner said that the company sees an opportunity for hybrid ultramobile that combines the functionality of a PC with the form factor of the tablet. According to Atwal, this approach provides users with a singular device via which to do their work on and consume entertainment content.

“Users who are not limited by their disposable income will likely have a basic tablet as a companion device to their ultramobile on which most of their consumption activities will take place,” stated Atwal.

The end of Windows XP support in 2014 is not expected to make an impact upon current device sales. Gartner asserts that 90% of large enterprises have either migrated or are in the process of migrating to Windows 7 or even Windows 8.

Source: Gartner

Mobile devices

Tablet shipments are expected to increase by 42.7% this year, as shipments reach 184 million units. The data analytics firm believes that premium tablets are faced with continued price decline in the 7" form factor, thanks to a growing number of consumers prefer smaller form factors (8" or less), when it comes to content consumption.

Mobile phone shipments are projected to grow by 3.7%, culminating in a volume of more than 1.8 billion units. According to Gartner, the mobile phone market will continue to experience steady growth, but the opportunity for high average selling price smartphones is now ending. The market research firm anticipates growth in this device sector to come from midrange smartphones in developed markets and low-end Android smartphones within developing markets.

In related news, Gartner also recently provided a glimpse of what’s in store on the technological front for 2014 and beyond. The analytics firm delivered its top predictions that combine several disruptive topics, including Digital Industrial Revolution, Digital Business, Smart Machines and the Internet of Things, which will impact well beyond just the IT function.